Event

Shaw Nature Reserve Tour

Since 1980, Shaw Nature Reserve has become a focus for native habitat management and restoration, including prescribed burning; correctly-timed field mowing; selective thinning of woodlands; judicious use of herbicides for invasive species control; plant diversity enhancement; and reconstruction of prairies and wetlands. As a result, Shaw Nature Reserve is able to offer 14 miles of hiking trails through an array of Ozark Border landscapes, including floodplain forest, dolomite glades, tallgrass prairie, oak-hickory woodlands, savannas and wetlands. Restoration of these habitats provides Shaw Nature Reserves visitors a uniquely varied experience of Missouris rich biological heritage.

On this tour for the Missouri Community Forestry Council, we will hop on the wilderness wagon on a three-mile gravel road as a naturalist/guide describes the Reserves history, whats in bloom, significant trees in their collection, the restoration work, the tallgrass prairie, wildlife and wetlands. We will also be provided with a tour the five acre Whitmire Wildflower Garden at Shaw Nature Reserve which serves as a showcase for the incredible beauty of native plants. It was established to increase appreciation of native plants in landscaping and to promote conservation. We will observe more than 500 native plant species in traditional and naturalistic designs. Included tour is viewing the iconic oak tree that inspired the Shaw Nature Reserve logo and an opportunity to walk through the historic Bascom House that sits in the heart of the garden.